What is it?

Core platforms

• RedHat OpenShift and OpenShift Virtualization (Kubernetes and KubeVirt) to run VMs beside containers on one control plane.
• NetApp ONTAP as the intelligent data infrastructure delivering high-performance persistent volumes, snapshots, replication and ransomware-aware protection. 

Key integrations

• NetApp Trident (CSI) gives OpenShift and OpenShift Virtualization direct, declarative access to ONTAP features (snapshots, cloning, replication/DR), simplifying storage provisioning and day-2 ops.
• Hybrid/multi-cloud options validated by both vendors (e.g., OpenShift with Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP, ROSA; OpenShift Dedicated with Google Cloud NetApp Volumes) for consistent data services across clouds.

Proof through mutual adoption

• NetApp runs internal dev/test on OpenShift Virtualization to speed provisioning and simplify operations. 
• RedHat operates global IT and development on NetApp, leveraging ONTAP to accelerate delivery and improve operational efficiency. 

Why should you care?

• VM modernization on OpenShift: Lift VMs into OpenShift Virtualization, keep them stateful on ONTAP, then refactor over time without changing protection/DR workflows. 
• Storage efficiency: ONTAP data reduction and cloning lower capacity needs for Dev/Test and CI environments.
• Cloud choice without lock-in: Standardize on OpenShift and ONTAP-backed services available across major cloud to avoid one-way migrations. 
• Consolidate platforms, cut complexity: Operate VMs and containers using one API, scheduler and policy model, while ONTAP handles stateful storage with snapshots and cloning for rapid dev/test and lifecycle operations. This reduces siloed tooling and speeds changes. 
• Hybrid cloud flexibility without rewrites: Move and scale workloads across on-prem and public cloud OpenShift footprints with consistent storage semantics (ONTAP on-prem, Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP or NetApp Volumes in Google Cloud). Keep the same data management and DR posture everywhere. 
• Stronger data protection and business continuity: Leverage ONTAP snapshots, replication and disaster recovery natively via Trident and OpenShift policies to protect both VMs and containers. This closes gaps between VM-centric backup tools and cloud-native apps.
• Performance for enterprise workloads: NetApp flash-optimized storage and data reduction services sustain IO-intensive virtualized apps; OpenShift Virtualization removes hypervisor sprawl while keeping enterprise SLAs.
• Operational agility proven by both vendors: The fact that each company runs critical environments on the other's technology underscores engineering maturity, supportability and roadmap alignment.
• AI/ML and data-heavy apps: Containerized AI services with attached high-performance PVCs; consistent snapshots/clone workflows for data science. 
• Hybrid DR: Protect on-prem OpenShift workloads to cloud (FSx for ONTAP) or between sites with SnapMirror and storage-class-based policies. 

How does it work?

For a net new virtualized environment, a combined Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization platform and NetApp ONTAP-based intelligent data infrastructure forms a tightly integrated solution for running, managing and scaling virtualized workloads across on-premises and hybrid cloud environments. 

The two technologies complement each other so that Red Hat provides the virtualization and orchestration, while NetApp provides the persistent storage, data protection and enterprise data services. 

If you are looking for a solution to help move away from other environments, a combined Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization platform (running VMs alongside containers) and NetApp ONTAP storage with Trident CSI provides a full-stack alternative. Red Hat provides the virtualization and orchestration layer, while NetApp provides the enterprise-grade storage foundation, data mobility and migration tooling required to move workloads minimal disruption. 

In either case the benefits include:

• A modern alternative to traditional hypervisor stacks
• The ability to run VMs and containers side-by-side
• Enterprise-grade storage, snapshots and DR
• Simplified operational workflows through Kubernetes automation
• Clear modernization pathways (VM - container when ready)
• Hybrid cloud flexibility with consistent storage capabilities

Differentiation in the market

A NetApp and Red Hat virtualization solution stands apart from traditional virtualization stacks because it combines a Kubernetes-native virtualization platform (RedHat OpenShift Virtualization) with enterprise-grade intelligent data infrastructure (NetApp ONTAP) — delivering a unified, modern, scalable environment for both VMs and containers. 

Below are the specific differentiators supported by the sources:

• Unified platform for both VMs and containers. Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization enables organizations to run VMs alongside containers under a single Kubernetes-native platform. This unification breaks down traditional hypervisor silos and brings VM operations into a cloud-native ecosystem. 
• Deep storage integration with intelligent data infrastructure. NetApp ONTAP provides advanced data services — replication, snapshots, cloning, disaster recovery and performance optimization — directly to OpenShift Virtualization through Trident CSI integration. 
• Joint engineering and mutual adoption (unique in the industry). A major differentiator is the mutual adoption of each other's platforms inside their production systems:
  • NetApp runs its internal development and testing workloads on RedHat OpenShift Virtualization, accelerating agility and provisioning. 
  • RedHat runs its global IT and development operations on NetApp ONTAP, benefiting from faster software delivery and operational efficiency. 

Designed for hybrid and multi-cloud flexibility

NetApp and Red Hat jointly support hybrid-cloud combinations such as:

• Red Hat OpenShift Service on AWS (ROSA) and Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP.
• OpenShift Dedicated and Google Cloud NetApp Volumes, allowing consistent storage and application mobility across environments. 

Key value propositions

Modern virtualization without the hypervisor legacy

Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization enables enterprises to run VMs alongside containers in one platform. Customer benefit: One control plane, one automation model and lower platform complexity. 

Enterprise-grade data services for virtualized workloads

NetApp ONTAP provides high-performance storage, snapshots, cloning, replication and built-in data protection — exposed directly through Trident CSI for OpenShift. Customer benefit: Reliable VM and container workloads with robust backup, DR and lifecycle efficiency. 

Proven, validated and adopted by both vendors

NetApp runs its own development and testing on OpenShift Virtualization, achieving faster provisioning and improved agility. Red Hat powers its global IT and development operations on NetApp ONTAP, improving delivery speed and operational efficiency. Customer benefit: A solution trusted at enterprise scale by the vendors who built it. 

True hybrid cloud consistency

The joint solution supports seamless hybrid cloud deployments such as:

• Red Hat OpenShift Service on AWS and Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP
• OpenShift Dedicated and NetApp Volumes on Google Cloud

Customer benefit: Run and move workloads across clouds with consistent storage, data protection and operations — something legacy hypervisors cannot match. 

Platform for application modernization

Customers can migrate VM workloads today and modernize them into containers over time — without changing platforms or storage systems. Customer benefit: De-risk modernization and avoid costly rip-and-replace transitions. 

How does Arrow help?

Arrow's NetApp and Red Hat sales and technical experts can provide configuration and quoting assistance, as well as the information and support needed to help you differentiate from the competition. 

Also Arrow can assist with an assessment of your virtualized landscape enabling you to better understand what you have and create a structured plan to help you move forward. 

In addition, Arrow Capital Solutions can assist with any financing needed to help you make these solutions affordable and cost-effective for your customers. 

More information

If you have questions or require assistance with growing your business with NetApp and or Red Hat, please contact your Arrow Channel Manager today or contact Arrow's dedicated NetApp team.